The thunder of firecrackers marks the advent of the Lunar New Year. It is believed the noise scares away evil spirits and repels negative energy, bringing forth auspicious energy for the new year.
According to legend, Chinese villages were stalked by the man-eating monster Nian at the end of every lunar year. When the powerful star god Tzu Wei discovered the beast was afraid of the colour red and loud noises, villagers were advised to adorn themselves and their homes in the hue and create as much of a racket as possible.
Hence, on Lunar New Year's Eve, red lanterns and red strips of paper with lettering were hung on each home and everyone wore scarlet as they played drums and gongs and exploded firecrackers. The terrified Nian fled into the mountains and, from that day onwards, successive generations carried out Tzu's recommendations to ensure the beast would never return.
Nowadays, these traditions are observed to dispel the misfortune and tribulations of the previous year and beckon good health, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead. Firecrackers can be lit at home, shops and offices. The lucky red confetti and remnants of firecrackers are removed a few days after the celebrations.